Covered backwashers

ABSTRACT

An improved covered backwasher for attaching an engaging member having at least one set of band-shaped prongs to a piece of material. The improved backwasher includes a frontplate having at least one pair of spaced-apart openings therein and a backplate having a recess therein opposite each opening in the frontplate for curling the prongs of the engaging member as they are inserted into the backwasher. The improvement resides in providing at least one rib member on the backplate adjacent the recesses for abutting portions of the edges of the prongs, thus effectively preventing turning of the engaging member relative to the backwasher.

United States Patent Mershon 1 Oct. 3, 1972 1541 COVERED BACKWASHERS 221 Filed: Nov. 17,1971

21 Appl.No.: 199,671

[52] US. Cl. ..24/95, 24/212, 24/221, 85/38 [51] Int. Cl. ..A44b 1/42, A44b 17/00 [58] Field of Search...24/95, 212, 221 R, 227; 8,5/38, 85/39 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,923,044 2/ 1960 l-loeh ..24/227 2,975,495 3/1961 Wolf ..24/95 Primary ExaminerBernard A. Gelak Att0rneyPaul Lempel et al.

571 ABSTRACT An improved covered backwasher for attaching an engaging member having at least one set of band-shaped prongs to a piece of material. The improved backwasher includes a frontplate having at least one pair of spaced-apart openings therein and a backplate having a recess therein opposite each opening in the frontplate for curling the prongs of the engaging member-as they are inserted into the backwasher. The improvement resides in providing at least one rib member on the backplate adjacent the recesses for .abutting portions of the edges of the prongs, thus ef- 4 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures COVERED BACKWASHERS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to covered backwashers, and more particularly it relates to an improved covered backwasher comprising a backplate having rib members for restraining turning of an engaging member to be engaged therewith with respect to the backwasher.

Covered backwashers are well known in the art as a means for attaching an engaging member, such as a fastener member or a decorative member, to a piece of material, for example, a purse or handbag. One typical covered backwasher comprises a backplate having recesses therein for curling the prongs of the engaging member as the engaging member and the backwasher are assembled on opposite sides of the material. Each prong of the engaging member is intended to abut a recess along a substantial portion thereof, thereby tending to restrain relative turning of the engaging member with respect to the backwasher. Such a typical covered backwasher of the prior art is shown in US. Pat. No. 2,975,495.

However, the configuration described for prior art covered backwashers do not completely restrain the prongs in the recesses of the backplate, thus permitting the engaging member to turn relative to the covered backwasher. For example, when the engaging member is a fastener member on a handbag, this turning movement is not only annoying to the user, but eventually the fastener member will become very loose, and ultimately it can come apart from the backwasher. The fastener member must then be replaced, often at considerable expense. Further, it is not always possible to replace the fastener member with another one of the same type and/or style, thus possibly detracting from the overall appearance of the handbag. Accordingly, there is a need for a covered backwasher which will securely attach the engaging member to the piece of material and prevent the turning movement thereof with respect to the covered backwasher.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an improved covered backwasher of the type known in the prior art. Thus, the covered backwasher comprises a backplate and a frontplate superimposed thereon. The frontplate has at least one pair of spaced-apart openings through which the prongs of an engaging member are introduced. The backplate is formed with the pair of curved recesses corresponding to, and opposite from, the pair of spaced-apart openings for outwardly curling the prongs of the engaging member as they are inserted into the backwasher. The backplate is also formed with at least one rib member associated with each pair of curved recesses. The rib member extends inwardly towards the frontplate and is disposed along a path adjacent the pair of recesses. The rib member is positioned so that a portion of the edge of at least one of the prongs will abut the rib member if the prongs are turned relative to the backplate. The abutting of the prongs against the rib member prevents relative turning of the fastener member with respect to the covered backwahser.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a covered backwasher in which the engaging member is securely restrained relative to the backwasher.

The above object, as well as other objects and advantages, of the present invention will become apparent from the following description when read in view of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a backwasher of the present invention assembled to a fastener member.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the backwasher and fastener member assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a backwasher of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the backwasher of the present invention is shown securely attaching an engaging member to a piece of material such as leather or plastic.

The main body of the engaging member 15 can take many forms. For example, it can be a fastener or locking arrangement for engagement with a companion piece on a separate piece of material, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or it can be a decorative member to enhance the appearance of the material. Extending from the main body 25 of the engaging member 15 are two pairs of bandshaped prongs 26 which pass through the material 20 and into engagement with the backwasher 10.

Referring also to FIG. 3, the backwasher 10 comprises a rectangular metal plate 30 folded upon itself along two parallel lines 31 so that the free edges 32 thereof lie adjacent one another in an abutting relationship. The central portion of the metal plate 30 forms a rectangular backplate 33, while the end portions of the plate form a rectangular frontplate 34. The frontplate 34 has two pairs of spaced-apart openings 35 through which the two pairs of band-shaped prongs 26 pass for engagement with the backwasher 10. The frontplate 34 also has another pair of spaced-apart openings 36 disposed between the two pairs of openings 35 which permit another type of engaging member (not shown) having only a single pair of band-shaped prongs to be attached to a piece of material.

As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the backplate 33 has two elongated recesses 37. One recess is disposed opposite one of the openings of each of the pairs of spaced-apart openings 35 and 36 in the frontplate 34. Thus, a recess is formed in the backplate opposite each of the openings of the spaced-apart openings 35 and 36. Each recess 37 is concaved outwardly away from the frontplate and has a curved cross-section in the planes perpendicular to both the fold lines 31 and the frontplate 34. The curved surfaces of the recesses 37 are best illustrated in FIG. 1.

In addition, two rib members 40, formed as an integral part of the backplate 33, extend inwardly toward the frontplate 34. The rib members 40 are disposed along paths extending approximately parallel to a centerline passing through the center of each of the openings of the respective pairs of openings 35, and one of the rib members 40 is positioned opposite a line extending on the frontplate approximately equidistant between each pair of openings 35 and the other pair of openings 36. Thus, each rib member 40 is positioned approximately opposite a straight line tangent to both openings of the pair of openings associated with the respective rib member.

The rib members 40 extend across each of the recesses 37 thus forming a compartment 41 opposite each opening of the spaced-apart openings 35, as well as a compartment 42 opposite of the spaced-apart openings 36. As shown in F IG. 2, it is preferable for the rib members 40 to almost contact the frontplate so that the compartments 41 and 42 are clearly defined and so that the rib members 40 will readily prevent rotation of the engaging member 15, as described below.

When the fastener member 15 and the backwasher are assembled, the band-shaped prongs 26 of the fastener member 16 pass through the respective spaced-apart openings 35 in the frontplate 34 and enter the respective recesses 37 in the backplate 33. The curved portions of the recesses 37 curl the prongs outwardly into the space between the frontplate and the backplate as the fastener member is forced into contact with the material 20. The recesses 37 provide some restraint to the prongs 26 to prevent them from rotating or turning relative to the backwasher 10, but the restraint is generally inadequate.

The rib members 40 of the present invention provide positive restraint to turning movement of the prongs 26 relative to the backwasher. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, the rib members 40 are positioned with respect to the respective recesses 37 so that the rib members 40 will abut portions of the edges of the prongs 26 when the prongs are turned relative to the backwasher 10, thereby preventing rotation of the fastener member with respect to the backwasher.

The rib member 40 is positioned between the portions of the recesses 37 opposite the respective openings 35 and 36 in the frontplate 34 so that the rib member 40 will not only abut portions of the edges of the prongs 26 of a four-pronged fastener member which pass through the openings 35, but will also abut portions of the edges of the prongs (not shown) if a two-pronged engaging member (not shown) which would engage the backwasher through spaced-apart openings 36. Thus, if the respective pairs of openings 35 and 36 are spaced too far apart from one another, it is preferable to include additional rib members on the backplate so that a rib member will abut a portion of each prong of an engaging member to be attached to the backwasher when the engaging member is turned relative to the backwasher.

The improved backwasher of the present invention has been described with respect to a backwasher having two elongated recesses, each of which curls one of the prongs of each pair of prongs in the engaging member, but it is to be understood that the rib member can be used with other types of backwashers known in the art, for example, a backwasher having an individual recess in the backplate for each prong of the engaging member.

Thus, while the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to one embodiment of a covered backwasher, other structural modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and intent of the present invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An improved covered backwasher for attaching an engaging member to a material, the engaging member having at least one pair of band-shaped prongs, the backwasher comprising a backplate and a frontplate superimposed thereon and attached thereto, the frontplate having at least one pair of spaced-apart openings therein, the backplate having at least one pair of recesses formed therein, each recess being located opposite one of the openings of the pair of openings in the frontplate, each recess being generally concave away form the frontplate, wherein the improvement comprises at least one rib member on the surface of the backplate facing the frontplate, the rib member extending across each recess in the backplate for dividing each recess into compartments.

2. An improved for backwasher of attaching an engaging member to a material, the engaging member having at least one pair of band-shaped prongs, the backwasher comprising a backplate and a frontplate superimposed thereon and attached thereto, the frontplate having at least one pair of spaced-apart openings therein, the backplate having at least one pair of recesses formed therein, each recess being located opposite one of the openings of the pair of openings in the frontplate, each recess being generally concave away from the frontplate and having a curved cross-section in planes perpendicular to the frontplate and parallel to a centerline passing through the center of each opening of the pair of openings, wherein the improvement comprises at least one rib member on the surface of the backplate facing the frontplate, the rib member extending across each recess in the backplate for dividing each recess into compartments, the rib member being disposed along a path approximately parallel to a centerline passing through the center of each opening of the pair of openings, the rib member being positioned approximately opposite a straight line extending tangentially to both openings of the pair of openings in the frontplate, whereby the rib member abut portions of the edges of the pair of band-shaped prongs of the engaging member to be inserted through the spaced-apart openings in the frontplate for restraining turning of the prongs with respect to the backplate, thereby restraining the engaging member form turning with respect to the backwasher once the engaging member is attached thereto.

3. An improved covered backwasher in accordance with claim 2 for attaching an engaging member to a material, the engaging member having at least two pairs of spaced-apart, bandshaped prongs, the backwasher further defined wherein the frontplate having at least two pairs of spaced-apart openings therein, each pair of spaced-apart openings being spaced-apart from the other pair of spaced-apart openings, the backplate having two recesses formed therein, each recess being elongated and being located opposite one of the openings of each pair of openings in the frontplate, and the surface of the backplate facing the frontplate having two spaced-apart rib members thereon, one of the rib members corresponding to each pair of the openings in the frontplate, each rib member being positioned approximately opposite a straight line extending tangentially to both openings of the pair of openings corresponding to the rib member, each rib member extending across the two recesses in the backplate and dividing each recess into three compartments, the compartment of each end of each recess being located opposite one of the openings of each pair of openings, whereby each rib member abuts portions of the edges thespaced-apart pairs of spaced-apart openings, each opening of the additional pair of openings being disposed opposite one of the recesses in the backplate, the center compartment of each recess being located opposite one of the openings of the additional pair of openings, whereby at least one rib member abuts portions of the edges of the pair of band-shaped prongs of the engaging member to be inserted through the additional pair of spaced-apart openings for restraining the engaging member from turning with respect to the backwasher once the engaging member is attached thereto.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3, 9 5 Dated octcber 3, 97

Inventor(s) Randolph J. Mershon It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 67, after "restrained" insert --from turning--.

Column 3, line after "opposite" insert ----each opening---.

Claim 1, column line 7, delete "form" and insert therefor --from--. Claim 2, column line 12, delete "for backwasher of" and insert therefor --covered backwasher for--. Claim 2, column 4, line &1, delete "form" and insert therefor --from--.

Signed and sealed this 13th day of February 1975.

Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer FORM USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 U '5 GOVERNMENT PRlNTlNU FFCEI I969 U365334 

1. An improved covered backwasher for attaching an engaging member to a material, the engaging member having at least one pair of band-shaped prongs, the backwasher comprising a backplate and a frontplate superimposed thereon and attached thereto, the frontplate having at least one pair of spaced-apart openings therein, the backplate having at least one pair of recesses formed therein, each recess being located opposite one of the openings of the pair of openings in the frontplate, each recess being generally concave away form the frontplate, wherein the improvement comprises at least one rib member on the surface of the backplate facing the frontplate, the rib member extending across each recess in the backplate for dividing each recess into compartments.
 2. An improved for backwasher of attaching an engaging member to a material, the engaging member having at least one pair of band-shaped prongs, the backwasher comprising a backplate and a frontplate superimposed thereon and attached thereto, the frontplate having at least one pair of spaced-apart openings therein, the backplate having at least one pair of recesses formed therein, each recess being located opposite one of the openings of the pair of openings in the frontplate, each recess being generally concave away from the frontplate and having a curved cross-section in planes perpendicular to the frontplate and parallel to a centerline passing through the center of each opening of the pair of openings, whereiN the improvement comprises at least one rib member on the surface of the backplate facing the frontplate, the rib member extending across each recess in the backplate for dividing each recess into compartments, the rib member being disposed along a path approximately parallel to a centerline passing through the center of each opening of the pair of openings, the rib member being positioned approximately opposite a straight line extending tangentially to both openings of the pair of openings in the frontplate, whereby the rib member abut portions of the edges of the pair of band-shaped prongs of the engaging member to be inserted through the spaced-apart openings in the frontplate for restraining turning of the prongs with respect to the backplate, thereby restraining the engaging member form turning with respect to the backwasher once the engaging member is attached thereto.
 3. An improved covered backwasher in accordance with claim 2 for attaching an engaging member to a material, the engaging member having at least two pairs of spaced-apart, bandshaped prongs, the backwasher further defined wherein the frontplate having at least two pairs of spaced-apart openings therein, each pair of spaced-apart openings being spaced-apart from the other pair of spaced-apart openings, the backplate having two recesses formed therein, each recess being elongated and being located opposite one of the openings of each pair of openings in the frontplate, and the surface of the backplate facing the frontplate having two spaced-apart rib members thereon, one of the rib members corresponding to each pair of the openings in the frontplate, each rib member being positioned approximately opposite a straight line extending tangentially to both openings of the pair of openings corresponding to the rib member, each rib member extending across the two recesses in the backplate and dividing each recess into three compartments, the compartment of each end of each recess being located opposite one of the openings of each pair of openings, whereby each rib member abuts portions of the edges of the pair of band-shaped prongs of the engaging member to be inserted through the pair of spaced-apart openings in the frontplate corresponding to the rib member for restraining turning of the prongs with respect to the backplate, thereby restraining the engaging member from turning with respect to the backwasher once the engaging member is attached thereto.
 4. An improved covered backwasher in accordance with claim 3 for attaching an engaging member having one pair of band-shaped prongs, the backwasher further defined wherein the frontplate has an additional pair of spaced-apart openings therein disposed between the spaced-apart pairs of spaced-apart openings, each opening of the additional pair of openings being disposed opposite one of the recesses in the backplate, the center compartment of each recess being located opposite one of the openings of the additional pair of openings, whereby at least one rib member abuts portions of the edges of the pair of band-shaped prongs of the engaging member to be inserted through the additional pair of spaced-apart openings for restraining the engaging member from turning with respect to the backwasher once the engaging member is attached thereto. 